Orthopaedic Surgery
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (selection administered by Australian Orthopaedic Association)
Competition
Very high
Qualification
FRACS (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Training duration
On average 5 years (AOA 21 Training Program)
Applications
RACS registration opens early January (~6 Jan), closes ~30 January. AOA 21 Training Program applications open 18 February. Closing date and interview schedule are set by AOA each year — check aoa.org.au for the current round. Based on the broader RACS surgical timeline, applications typically close in March with interviews in May–June.
Selection format
Includes an Orthopaedic Multiple Choice Question (OMCQ) Test — introduced for the 2026 intake, replacing the former Situational Judgement Test — plus interviews, verbal referee reports, and a departmental referee report. 52–61 trainees appointed annually across the 2024–2026 intakes; roughly 4–5 applicants per available post.
When to apply
Minimum 3 years of postgraduate pre-vocational clinical work, including orthopaedic surgery experience, is required. Most successful applicants are PGY3–6. GSSE must be passed. Maximum four attempts at selection (AOA 21 rule since the 2023 intake).
Competition
Among the most competitive surgical specialties in Australia. Very few positions relative to applicants. Research publications, microsurgical/procedural skills, and a strong operative logbook are near-mandatory.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Orthopaedic surgical exposure — rotations, electives, or paid orthopaedic terms
- Operative logbook — volume and variety across trauma, arthroplasty, and elective orthopaedics
Rural & regional
Rural, regional, and remote experience
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACS / AOA.
First Nations
Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants
- First Nations — Orthopaedic Surgery participates in the RACS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surgical trainee selection initiative (set-aside posts for AIDA-eligible applicants)
Academic
Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching
- GSSE (Generic Surgical Science Examination) — prerequisite for RACS registration step
- OMCQ (Orthopaedic Multiple Choice Question) Test — orthopaedic-specific written assessment at application (replaced the Situational Judgement Test from the 2026 intake)
- EMST (Early Management of Severe Trauma) certification — the certificate is valid for 4 years
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
- Research publications — first-author publication is near-mandatory; high-impact orthopaedic or surgical journals preferred
Extracurricular
Leadership and roles beyond clinical work
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACS / AOA.
Distinction
Prizes, awards, and academic standing
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACS / AOA.
Eligibility & application
Prerequisites, referees, interviews, and fees
- Minimum 3 years postgraduate training (pre-vocational), including orthopaedic surgery experience
- Referee relationships with FRACS orthopaedic surgeons — verbal referee reports plus a departmental referee report are part of selection
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RACS / AOA.
Recent updates
Re-verified against aoa.org.au: OMCQ was introduced for the 2026 intake replacing the Situational Judgement Test, alongside a new departmental referee report. Confirmed intake numbers — 52 (2024), 61 (2025), 57 (2026); ~4–5 applicants per post. Eligibility requires minimum 3 years postgraduate pre-vocational work including orthopaedic experience; maximum four selection attempts. 2027 intake: ~53 vacancies across regions.
AOA 21 Training Program: applications for 2027 intake opened 18 February 2026. OMCQ test retained as part of selection.
Indicative only. Check the RACS / AOA website for current information.
Official resources
State workforce data
Queensland Health’s medi-nav is the only state health department currently publishing the workforce and selection figures this section shows. We have not verified equivalent data for Victoria yet — the selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia-wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
Community discussions
Recent discussion about Orthopaedic Surgery training from Australian doctors.
Search r/ausdocs and r/doctorsofaustraliaRequirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (selection administered by Australian Orthopaedic Association) (RACS / AOA) before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.